Israeli Singer Moshe Hillel, Known as the 'Singing Paratrooper,' Dies at 81

Moshe Hillel, the beloved Israeli singer widely known as the "Singing Paratrooper," passed away today at the age of 81. Born in Petah Tikva, Hillel lost his parents at a young age and was raised on Kibbutz Maagan Michael. He later served in the Israel Defense Forces within the Paratroopers Brigade.

His musical career took off after his military service when he began performing at the Hamam Club in Jaffa. Prominent figures Dan Ben-Amotz and Uri Zohar dubbed him the "Singing Paratrooper," a moniker that stayed with him throughout his life. Hillel achieved widespread fame with his hit song "The Boy with the Banjo," which topped the music charts.

Over the years, Hillel became a prominent fixture in Israeli entertainment. He participated multiple times in the Oriental Song Festival, taking third place in 1971 with "Yaakov Hatamim" and second place in 1972 with "La Hevel Hayofi." In 1973, he appeared in the classic film "Kazablan," playing a mohel and performing a verse in the song "Kulanu Yehudim." During the Yom Kippur War, he performed with the Golani Brigade entertainment troupe, recording the iconic anthem "Al Shlosha Pishei Damesek."

In 1976, Hillel claimed first place on the annual music charts with his hit "Hag Li." Beyond his singing career, he ventured into nightlife management in the 1980s and 1990s, opening clubs and pubs while continuing to perform. After working for the Ituran company for eight years, he returned to the stage, winning first place in the "HaShir HaBa" festival in 2020 and receiving a special lifetime achievement award two years later.